Fist, the heat gauge. under normal driving, where does everyones needle sit? The car my friend is looking at, the needle sits dead center, where as my needle sits slightly below center. Is that cause for concern?

Any trouble areas I need to look out for? This is a good condition 97 se manual.

 

That seems pretty damn picky if its a problem at all....

Mine sits at about dead center without a/c and 60degrees F.

 

the needle sitting dead center is perfectly fine....a little below or a little above is fine...all maximas are the same..but depending on fluids used, all cars run a little diff. when it comes to temperatures...so your buying a 97 max?...how much, price, mileage, any records??....get a car fax first and then take it to ANY nissan dealership and pay 72 bucks to have it checked bumper to bumper(used car check)...takes about an hour buts its worth it dude....have fun

 

Buy it if it's in good shape and it's 5-speed.

 

my needle sits dead centre

 

My car runs in the middle and overheats in the summer or on inclines


Remember, the needle is EXTREMELY inaccurate to tell you whether your car is at "normal" or an "abnormal" temperature. Normal for you might be in the middle or just barely under in someone elses car.

 

Damn Canadians, its CENTER...

 

My old 97 ran just below center...my current 97 runs about dead center.

 

Needle runs center on car (w/ & without AC/heat) between 150-180 degrees & around 190-200 degrees without either AC or heat. As stated, it's ok if it runs a little above center or a little below but if it's way over center, it's overheating.